‘Couldn’t give a monkeys’ – Former world champion will refuse Premier League Darts place

Gary Anderson remains defiant that he will not be a part of the Premier League, even if he wins the PDC World Championship.

The former two-time world champion put on another brilliant display to oust No.3 seed and fellow darting legend Michael Van Gerwen in the last 16.

Getty

He is now set to take on new cult hero Justin Hood at Alexandra Palace in the quarter finals, but is putting together a run which many believe could be good enough to see him land a Premier League spot.

For several years, Anderson has had an up and down relationship with the elite competition, feeling he has to sacrifice events to make the commitment in the past.

That being said, Anderson has had success on the Premier League stage, clinching the prize in 2011 and in 2015.

On multiple occasions he has suggested that he would not take up the event again.

But should he become world champion, he would automatically be offered a place in the competition.

Anderson would likely then become the first world champion to turn down a place on the 16-week tour.

And the ‘Flying Scotsman’ insists that does indeed remain the plan.

He told talkSPORT: “No, no I’m quite happy, I need to concentrate on my rankings.

“If I done the Premier League, Europeans gone, Players Championship gone.

“I couldn’t give a monkeys [if I’m world champion]. I can’t do it, it’s been great the years I’ve done it.

Getty

“But I can’t do it for 16 weeks on the road then try to get back for them. I can’t do it.”

Anderson’s absence would be notable should he progress and get his hands on the Sid Waddell trophy for the third time having done so previously in 2015 and 2016.

But the veteran seems in fine fettle, with a huge first ever £1 million prize pot at stake.

Anderson on victory over Michael Van Gerwen

Anderson averaged just shy of a ton in his latest clash, but was far more clinical on his doubles than Van Gerwen.

The iconic rivalry delivered again with the pair going back and forth, but the Scotsman simply had the better in the big moments.

However, he believes he was far from his vintage best and felt uneasy at times on stage during the tense moments.

Getty

He added: “It just didn’t feel right. I’m used to big scores, big finishes, but me and Van Gerwen, I wasn’t myself up there.

“And I don’t think he settled up there. I have seen the averages after we finished and I was quite surprised.

“It didn’t feel like it was as good up there, I’m sure Michael would say the same, rubbish.

“The doubles went in at the right time, but I felt like my scoring was off. It’s a strange old game.”